Weiner told WNYC's Brian Lehrer that he knows during the campaign that he'll be "doing a lot of apologizing," but that he hopes voters are "open to hearing" his ideas for improving the city and helping the middle class.

Earlier in the day, Weiner got a supportive reception at a subway stop in Harlem where he discussed health care, housing and other issues.

Weiner, who represented parts of Brooklyn and Queens in the U.S. House, declared his candidacy for the mayor's race through a video posted on YouTube late Tuesday. A Quinnipiac poll released Wednesday shows him trailing City Council President Christine Quinn for the Democratic nomination.

Quinn was quoted by the Associated Press as saying Weiner's campaign "doesn't change my perspective or plan in this race at all."